City snapshot: BA's Floralis Genérica

The Floralis Genérica in the Plaza de las Naciones Unidas in Recoleta was given to the city by its designer, Argentine architect Eduardo Catalano, in 2002. The 75 foot high and 105 foot wide steel and aluminium flower is said to represent "a synthesis of all flowers" and "a new hope that is reborn everyday."

Photo: Hernan Piñera

The sculpture is located in a pond in the center of the 4-acre park, and can be appreciated against a variety of striking backdrops. The reflective pond doesn't only add to the Floralis' dramatic visual impact, it also serves to protect the delicate structure from vandalism.

Photo: Hermann Kaser

Just like a real flower, it opens every morning and closes every evening. Except this one uses a complex electrical system which has been known to malfunction: most notably at the sculpture's inauguration and for five years between 2010 and 2015.

Photo: Jonathan Hood

The Floralis Genérica is now fully functional again, and it's as photogenic as ever. When you're next in BA head on over and snap a selfie with a difference...